Reserve Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch)

Rooted in ancient decomposed granitic soils, this Chenin Blanc is from a single vineyard on an ocean-facing slope of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch. We experienced relatively good rains preceding the 2023 harvest and the rainfall figures came close to the long term average for Stellenbosch. With more moisture in the soil, the vines showed strong, even budding in the Spring and it was a stellar year for Chenin Blanc. The cool daytime conditions (and especially nights!) of December and January meant that our earlier varieties ripened with lovely acidity and great freshness, all at lower alcohol levels.

Grapes were handpicked and hand sorted, as always, and brought to our cellar in the cool of the morning where they were de-stemmed and lightly crushed. A small amount of skin contact was employed to increase the depth and intensity of the juice before pressing. The juice was fermented in Burgundian French oak barrels of which around 20% were new. A small portion of tank fermented Chenin was added for the final blend, to enhance the fresh and mineral focus of the wine. Chenin Blanc is South Africa’s most versatile premium white grape, with unique qualities and flavours derived from this site. This Chenin Blanc has genuine individuality, strength of character and a real sense of place as well as the potential to mature well for a further 3 – 5 years.